Eighth video interview of the series «Flashes of Life & Roots»: the protagonist is the "pioneer" scholar of the Economy of Communion Benedetto Gui
The interviews born from the Flashes of Life & Roots project are back: we decided to interview a series of "Edc pioneers" to collect the "precious pearls" contained in the experiences of those people who, in different parts of the world and in different cultural contexts, have responded radically to a common vocation: that of giving life - with their own lives - to the Economy of Communion.
The eighth protagonist of our series of interviews is Benedetto Gui, an Italian economist. Born in Padua, raised in Rome and then returned to Padua during his university days, Benedetto has followed an academic and human path marked by the search for meaning and justice. After starting his studies in engineering and mathematics, he found in economics the ideal space to combine scientific rigor and attention to the concrete life of people. Professor at several Italian universities, he concluded his academic career at the Sophia University Institute, where he contributed to the development of an economic trend inspired by the spirituality of unity. His experience is that of a “loose cannon”, as he likes to define himself, who has been able to transform academic freedom into an opportunity to explore innovative themes such as worker participation in businesses and relational goods.
In an era in which idealism was very strong - the 70s - Benedetto and his future wife, Marina, approached the spirituality of unity, being struck by the experience of Loppiano. This meeting marked the beginning of a journey that would lead him to reflect on the economy as a place of relationships and justice. Already active in the New Humanity Movement in the field of Economy and Work, in 1991 he welcomed Chiara Lubich's proposal on the Economy of Communion, initially with some reservations. Benedetto says:
«That word ‘communion’ seemed difficult to propose, especially in an academic context. But over time I understood that it was the most precious word, perhaps precisely because it was difficult; communion is the vocation of the human person in all fields, and therefore also in the economy".
Benedetto Luigino Beni relazioni relazioni SEC 400 ridIn his role as a scholar, Gui has experienced a deep and fraternal relationship with the entrepreneurs of the Economy of Communion. By participating in events and visiting companies, he has been able to see how the ideas developed in the theoretical field were reflected in daily practice. "The distinction between scholars and entrepreneurs was not so clear", he says, underlining how the shared experience strengthened the belief that a different economy is possible. Attention to the person, participation and justice thus become concrete criteria for guiding business choices, even in complex contexts.
Looking ahead, Benedetto recognizes the importance of generational change and collaboration with other movements and initiatives that share the goal of a more just and inclusive economy. The Economy of Communion, according to him, is a drive, a vision that can inspire every area of economic research. His advice to young scholars is to keep the original inspiration alive, even when entering demanding academic contexts:
"Having a deeper reason for the research you do is a great help in finding energy and motivation".
A message that resonates as an invitation to never lose sight of the ultimate goal: to build, also through the economy, a more human world.
Listen to the interview and become part of this movement too!
Find previous interviews in the Flashes of Life and Roots series on this page.